Epic Games Accuses Apple of Flouting App Store Anti-Steering Injunction: A 41-Page Legal Battle

Epic Games Accuses Apple of Non-Compliance with Anti-Steering Injunction

Epic Games, in a filing to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, accuses Apple of flouting an injunction meant to allow developers to direct users to external payment systems. The 41-page document argues that Apple has introduced new fees and restrictions that render these alternative purchasing options ineffective.

Key Points:

• Barriers to Alternative Purchases: Epic claims Apple added new fees and restrictions, making it difficult for developers to use the injunction effectively. This includes the creation of the 'External Link Purchase Entitlement Program,' which is alleged to be designed to fail.
• Managerial Commission Decision: Apple executives, including Phil Schiller, testified about the decision to impose a commission on external transactions to protect revenue from the App Store.
• Link Camouflage: Epic accuses Apple of making it hard for users to use external links by imposing design and placement restrictions, using 'scare screens,' and prohibiting dynamic links.
• Adoption Issues: The filing notes that few developers have participated in Apple's external link program due to cost prohibitive fees, with only one developer signing up after several months of availability.

Conclusion:

Epic urges the court to reconsider the injunction, arguing that Apple has not complied with its spirit. Judge Gonzalez Rogers is yet to determine if Apple will be held in contempt of court for these alleged violations.